MA Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern
University of Groningen
About this program
MA Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern
This MA track studies the existence and coexistence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Exploring the impact of religious diversity on social identity formation in the Graeco-Roman and late antique periods until the rise of Islam, it analyses the role of tolerance and acceptance, of rejection and exclusion in their mutual relationships during the last two millennia.
You will focus on a historical and philological analysis of the textual sources documenting the contacts among these religious traditions, approaching them from different angles and with diverse methods. Archaeology, codicology, paleography, epigraphy, textual analysis and interpretation illuminate each other in the scrutiny of the evidence concerning religious diversity in the ancient world.
This MA track is unique due to both the interdisciplinary study of ancient Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions in one track, and the possibility of combining with a modern specialization. In it, students will encounter, firsthand, people from the ancient world and know how they grappled with religious diversity; they will envisage the varied religious roots of the modern world.
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Admission requirements
Dutch diploma
Language test-An English language test for Dutch students is only important if you do not have a VWO-diploma. TOEFL: 90 internet IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 on each part).
Previous education - Bachelor's Degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Arts, Philosophy or Social Science (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology). Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature. Students with another Bachelor's Degree may be admitted via a pre-master's program.
International diploma
Language test-Sufficient proficiency in English is required. Minimum requirements: TOEFL 90 internet or IELTS: 6.5 (6.0 on each part).
Previous education - Bachelor's Degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Arts, Philosophy or Social Science (e.g. Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology). Depending on your former study and courses a reading package will be provided. We assume that you are aware of the concepts and theoretical discussions outlined in this literature. Students with another Bachelor's Degree can be permitted via a pre-master's program.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Learn moreProgram content
Year 1
- Religious Diversity in the Graeco-Roman World
- Texts of Terror
- 'Othering' in Early Islam
- Historical Methods in Early Christianity
- Reception and Re-Use of Authoritative Texts
- Internship
- Master's Thesis + thesis seminar
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Tuition
- Tuition fees for EU/EEA Students: € 2,314 per year
- Tuition fees for Non-EU/EEA Students: € 16,000 per year
Qualification
Credits: 60 ECTS
MA in Theology & Religious Studies
Career paths
If you want to become a teacher of religion in secondary education you can additionally follow the Educational Master's Program.
Job prospects
As a graduate you can become an adviser and policymaker on interreligious issues and multicultural society. You may work in cultural organisations and companies in the public sector. In addition, you can work in the media. You can become a teacher of religion or philosophy. If you want to pursue an academic career, you can follow this track as a specialization within the Research Master's Program.
Job examples
Consulting & Policy
You are able to provide well-founded advice on interreligious issues and multicultural society. You can use this expertise in an advisory position at cultural organizations, in companies or in the public sector. Your knowledge equips you for policymaking positions in this field.
Media & Journalism
The current debate often refers to perceived historical realities. Your expertise in the formative periods of Judaism, Christianity and Islam enables you to ask critical questions concerning modern-day claims about these religious traditions. You can use your knowledge and skills as an editor at a publishing company, broadcasting company, newspaper or news and current affairs magazine. You could also work as a freelancer.
Education
Once you have completed this Master's Program you will have enough knowledge of the subject to become a secondary school teacher in the subject of Religious Studies and Philosophy or Social Studies. You could also opt for a position in higher vocational education, for example teaching Theology at a university of applied sciences. As you also need didactic skills as a teacher, it is advisable to do a Master's in Education after you have completed your regular Master's Program.
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About this institute
University of Groningen
The University of Groningen is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, founded in 1614 and it ranks amongst the top 100 universities in the world. We are a research-intensive institution offering a wide range of highly regarded bachelor, master...
Why study at University of Groningen
We're a Top 100 University
Study at one of the world’s leading universities. Learn from the best and take advantage of exciting research opportunities. Live in a vibrant city where over a quarter of the population are students. Whatever you’re seeking from your university experience, you’ll find it in Groningen. With over 45 world-class Bachelor’s programmes and 160 highly-ranked Master’s programmes, we have a field of study for you.
Our groundbreaking research
As a student, you will be actively involved in research at one of Europe’s top research institutions from the get-go. The University of Groningen carries out ground-breaking and socially-relevant research that builds bridges between disciplines and closes the gap between science and society.
400 years of reputation
The University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands and has built a reputation for excellence. Many talented people have passed through the university during its rich 400-year history, including Nobel Prize winners like Ben Feringa (Chemistry, 2016) and Frits Zernike (Physics, 1953). Some have been pioneers in their respective fields, such as the first female University student and the first female lecturer in the Netherlands, the first Dutch astronaut and the first president of the European Bank.
Vibrant Student Life
While its history can be traced back to 300 BC, today Groningen is a vibrant student city with the youngest population in the Netherlands – one in four people here is a student! That means there’s always something to do, with various art and music festivals, theatres, cinemas and performance venues catering to all tastes, whether you prefer to watch or want to join in. In Groningen, you’ll see students everywhere: studying in the pretty Noorderplantsoen park, working various part-time jobs and partying the night away.
Global Community
The University of Groningen attracts a large international community! Our Erasmus Student Network (ESN) conveniently facilitates all international students in Groningen and organizes over 150 activities a year. The University of Groningen has strong international connections which means that you can easily spend part of your degree studying abroad. The University also offers several unique international Master’s degree programmes in cooperation with other large European universities.
Contact info
University of Groningen
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